What a fun read! I really enjoyed the setting and the characters in this novel. All of the maps were also a lot of fun and added an interesting mystery component. I really enjoyed the twists and turns that the characters faced, and I thought the setting for the novel was beautiful. I could perfectly picture the blue ocean and the jutting cliffs of the town! 

Isle of Blood and Stone was a fast paced read, but I kept feeling like every time I got sucked into the story, a little of the fire would burn out. It was like the author was holding the reader back a little bit. There would be a suspense build up and then a quick change to a slower pace. I feel like this description is a bit misleading because not once did I think the story was boring. It was definitely enjoyable, just more of a slow burn entertainment... if that makes sense! 

All in all, Isle of Blood and Stone was a great read and it was entertaining from start to finish. It was very different from most books I've read this year and I really liked its unique qualities. I would definitely recommend this novel to readers who enjoy YA fiction and I look forward to more novels from Lucier in the future. Thank you NetGalley and HMH books for sharing this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This is a unique story that brings aspects fantasy lovers love, along with twists that make it something new. With a beautiful setting, enjoyable characters, plot twists...this book is a wonderful read. It is perfect for those who enjoy a book lacking blood. It does begin slow, taking about half of the book to really pull me in...but I enjoyed it. Lucier does an amazing job making this novel stand out from the sea of fantasy books.

DNF 40%

I really tried to finish this book, but every time I picked it up I didn't feel motivated enough to go on. It was boring and even confusing sometimes. I felt always detached from the story and this aspect penalized the reading even more. Too bad, because I really hoped in a great story.

*4.5* 

I went into Isle of Blood and Stone not knowing exactly what to expect. The reviews I had seen had been slightly mixed; however, the synopsis still greatly intrigued me. I wanted to know more about Elias, the newly discovered maps, and the tragedy that happened 18 years ago. 

The result? Isle of Blood and Stone completely WOWED me! I LOVED this book! 

There's so much to like about the Isle of Blood and Stone, and one of the aspects I enjoyed the most was the world building. World building within fantasy can be a huge miss-or-hit, in my opinion. It can make-or-break a book; however, here it built the book up beautifully. I appreciated the level of detail Makiia gave to the kingdom of Del Mar. I enjoyed learning about the kingdom's history: its princes, its feuds, its fights, and its mapmakers. I also liked that Makiia didn't stop just there; instead, she gave offered a picture of the kingdom's surroundings- the different islands, the deadly forest, etc. 

Isle of Blood and Stone's plot mainly focusses on the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the two princes and Lord Antonni. The prologue gives the first look into what happened the day, and it did a fantastic job of hooking me in. As the book continues, we're quickly thrown into a thrilling adventure, as Elias races to figure out the clues before it's too late. I thought everything contained just the perfect amount of suspense - enough to keep me interested and committed to the story but never feeling too overwhelmed or thinking that certain twists were thrown in for no real purpose but thrill. I also enjoyed that even at the end - when you thought everything large had been revealed - Makiia still had some tricks up her sleeve. 

Last but not least the characters! The majority of Isle of Blood and Stone is told through Elias's perspective, and I truly enjoyed seeing through his eyes. Elias is an interesting mixture between fearless and scared, brave and cautious. When the book first begins, Elias doesn't view himself as anything incredibly special. Sure, he inherited his father's mapmaking abilities, but he doesn't believe he comes close to being even a quarter of the hero his father was. This quality made Elias more human, in my opinion, and what I really appreciated was the fact that Elias didn't use this feeling to knock himself down; instead, it was more of a doubt, a feeing lurking in the distance. I think it's something that anyone can relate to - feeling as if they'll never live up to the person they're claimed to be "just like" - and Makiia truly captured this feeling perfectly here. I loved seeing Elias grow as the book progressed. He became such a kick-a$$ individual, saving the day more than once. 

I also liked seeing him evolve in his relationships. His friendship with Mercedes, for instance, was sweet yet spicy. I liked the bond between them, the-push-and-the-pull. Mercedes kept him on his toes that's for sure. Not to mention they were also great partners. Even though there wasn't many scenes with his family, it was easy to see what a loving, caring relationship was there as well. It was easy to see how much he valued his stepfather, his mother, and his siblings, which made the feelings he felt about finding his father even more complex. Was he willing to risk everything - his siblings' s standings, the status of his mother's marriage - for a man that may have been hiding all these years? It was a hard choice. Last but not least: Reyna, the real show stealer! Reyna, a young mapmaker-in-training, is courageous, poised yet bold. I loved seeing her assist Elias with the maps, and I loved the trouble she would get herself in. Nothing got in her way! I've heard the follow-up will be about her, and if that's true, I can't wait! 

Overall, Isle of Blood and Stone is a standout 2018 release! I can't suggest it highly enough to fans of YA fantasy, especially to those who love Kristin Cashore. It's the kind of book you can't help but read in one sitting. I wanted to spread it out over a few days - savor the plot, the characters, the setting - but I just couldn't, it was too hard. 

*This review was published on Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf on April 9, 2018 (link provided). It has already been cross-posted to Goodreads and will be added to Amazon and BN on the release date.*

If there’s one thing fantasy readers love, it’s a map in the front of the book. And while Isle of Blood and Stone absolutely has that, it takes things one step further by not only making the main character, Elias, a skilled mapmaker, but by making maps themselves an integral part of the story. The strong emphasis on cartography sets Isle of Blood and Stone apart from other fantasy/adventure books, and the subject matter was skillfully incorporated to permeate every part of the story. Small details like what plants make certain colors of pigment, or the significance of a cartouche are not just sprinkled in as trivia; they actively contribute to Elias’s quest to unravel the mystery of the missing princes.

But aside from the fascinating academic aspects, the relationships and characters in Isle of Blood and Stone are what really make it a success. Elias has a penchant for getting into trouble, though it’s often a result of trying to help someone else.

I also really enjoyed the character Reyna, a young, would-be explorer except dang it she’s a girl. Her sweet innocence and dogged tenacity were a wonderful combination, as she strives to gain access to the opportunities her (occasionally less-qualified) male peers are given. She shares Elias’s thirst for adventure and uncharted horizons, and her youth provides a counterpoint to the older characters who have been weighed down by the still-lingering effects of the princes’ disappearance, including a devastating war.

I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first; I thought it took a bit to get going, but once certain pieces starting falling together I was 100% invested. I think I was expecting the book to move us away from the initial setting of the capital city; after all, Elias is an adventurer. However, much of the mystery-solving takes place in and around the same city, which is fine, but since I erroneously thought we’d be moving elsewhere, I felt like things stagnated for a bit. Things are established for grand adventures abroad in a yet-untitled book 2, though, so fingers crossed for that!

Isle of Blood and Stone is a solid opener for this fantasy duology, with a satisfactory ending (no cliffhanger, THANK GOODNESS) yet plenty of intriguing things left to explore in the next installment. While many secrets were brought to light in this book, some new secrets were also created, and I’m extremely interested to see if they are uncovered in the future, because they have the potential to tear even the closest of friends apart.

These layered secrets introduce thought-provoking questions of moral ambiguity – to what degree can a person be classified as good or evil? Does one bad act have the power to override dozens or even hundreds of good acts? Elias and King Ulises in particular must wrestle with this question, and in some cases come to startlingly different conclusions, though I can’t say if one is more right than the other.

This is an entirely unique story that brings aspects fantasy lovers have grown to love and expect, along with twists that make it something new. With a beautiful setting, enjoyable characters, plot twists...this book should make its way to your TBR list. It is perfect for those who enjoy a book lacking blood, gore, and intense romance or action. It does begin slow, taking about half of the book to really pull me in...but I enjoyed it. Lucier does an amazing job making this novel stand out from the sea of fantasy books.

Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier is the first book in the Isle of Blood and Stone duology. This series is a young adult historical fantasy with a touch of romance involved.

The story starts with the royal navigator Lord Antoni out on and excursion with a group including two of the young princes. As everyone in the group is setting down to eat and rest Antoni is gathering supplies to show the boys how to make a compass. After the wine is passed around however everyone in the group begins getting sick and the sounds of someone approaching can be heard.

Fast forward the story eighteen years where a young girl, Reyna, who is studying to be a map maker herself has come across maps that look like the work of Lord Antoni. The problem with this discovery is that it looks as if the maps were made after the horrific massacre eighteen years ago.

Little Reyna takes her discovery to King Ulises who approaches his friend Elias who has just become a master mapmaker himself with the discovery.  When a hidden clue is found Elias and Ulises’s cousin, Mercedes take on the quest to uncover the mystery of just what happened that day eighteen years before.

Isle of Blood and Stone is a slow building story that felt very heavy on the historical and lighter on the fantasy side. It takes a reader back to the time of Kings, courts, politics, spies and intrigue. It becomes known that after the poisoning where everyone out that day was thought to have died that someone confessed to the crime which started a war with a neighboring kingdom but now the question comes up as to whether or not they were even involved.

As it jumped the eighteen years it was a tad confusing to join in on new characters as it slowly established who everyone was and slowly came back to what had happened at the beginning of the story. It was a tad slow for my own taste as I’m always looking for more action but despite that I still enjoyed what the author created and will certainly be curious as to how it all turns out in the next book.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Wow! Isle of Blood and Stone is an original, magical, outstanding fantasy novel filled with amazing characters and lush world-building. You'll find yourself immersed in the story unable to pull yourself from these pages. Readers of YA fantasy should not hesitate to check this one out!

An amazing and very unique novel. I was ensnared from beginning to end!

A brilliant fantasy adventure that will have you at the edge of your seat. You'll be wishing you have the sequel immediately after finishing it.

Super interesting back story and premise--I really liked the history of the world that Lucier created. I admittedly was skimming and losing interest towards the end, but I will definitely be checking out the conclusion to this duology.

Eighteen years ago the two princes and the royal navigator of St. John del Mar were kidnapped and presumed dead. Elias, the royal navigator's son comes into possession of two maps which suggest they may still be alive. Thus opens the compelling mystery that is at the heart of this book. It takes awhile before the plot of this book picks up as the first few chapters establish the characters and the aftermath of the kidnapping. Once Elias and his friends Mercedes and Ulises, the king starts on their quest for the truth of the fate of the princes and Elias's father the story picks up. The characters are likable if a little flat but Lucier succeeds in making the mystery compelling and the history she creates for St. John del Mar believable and alive. There is a little romance between Elias and Mercedes it does not derail the narrative. While there are fantasy elements like sea monsters and ghosts this book is primarily a mystery and may appeal more to mystery fans than to fans of high fantasy.

Amazing book with wonderful intriguing characters.  The plot and world building was beautiful and lush.  The characters were deep and interesting.  This was an amazing read and one of my favorites of the year, amazing read, would highly recommend for sure!

A fantastic adventure story, peopled with amazing characters. The world building was just right, information given at the right times without being too much or feeling like a lecture. I'd love to read plenty more in this universe, but if this is the only one it ended at just the right place.

I loved Reyna, poor kid, and Elias was a great lead character. Generally speaking the characters were well defined; I was a little confused about a couple of the very minor ones, but that's all. A good trick in a novel with so many characters in.

I'll be looking forward to more from Makiia.


Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.

I was sent an arc by netgalley for an honest review. 

I could not bring myself to finish this book. The beginning felt heavy with description and characters. I was really looking forward to it but I just couldn't feel the motivation of the characters

“Adventurer, two princes lost but not gone. Follow the path of the ancient mariners, Tramontana to Ostro. Look not to what is there, but to what is not.” 

Yeah, I didn’t love this as much as I wanted which really seems to be the story of my life lately. I just know this is going to be a completely forgettable read for me. For so much of this story I just didn’t care, and I feel like a lot of it was because I wasn’t invested in the world. I feel like I didn’t know enough about the setting or the characters. While I did enjoy the family and friendship moments with Elias, Mercedes, Ulises and some of the others, they weren’t enough to pull me in. It felt like someone was telling me a story without giving me all the background. I just didn’t get the motivations for the villain, or know enough about the worldbuilding or politics. I just didn’t care and was underwhelmed. 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher via  netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I saw this on netgalley and instantly fell in love with the cover. Seriously it’s gorgeous. People say ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ but we all do don’t we? The book community thrives on gorgeous covers like this one. So when I saw it, I knew I had to request it. 
The story follows Elias, who is nineteen years old (I’m only nineteen but my mind is older) and a royal explorer and a highly skilled map maker. When two maps surface, he must take on the mission to find the lost princes. This book contains plot twists and turns that will have you shook. So glad I got to read this book. Overall, great read. 

3 out of 5 stars.

Nineteen-year-old Elias is a royal explorer, a skilled mapmaker, and the new king of del Mar's oldest friend. Soon he will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, an expedition past the Strait of Cain and into uncharted waters. Nothing stands in his way...until a long-ago tragedy creeps back into the light, threatening all he holds dear in Isle of Blood and Stone.

The people of St. John del Mar have never recovered from the loss of their boy princes, kidnapped eighteen years ago, both presumed dead. But when two maps surface, each bearing the same hidden riddle, troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young heirs? And why do the maps appear to be drawn by Lord Antoni, Elias's father, who vanished on that same fateful day? With the king's beautiful cousin by his side-whether he wants her there or not-Elias will race to solve the riddle of the princes. He will have to use his wits and guard his back. Because some truths are better left buried...and an unknown enemy stalks his every turn. (via Goodreads)

I received an eARC of Isle of Blood and Stone through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Despite all of the plot that goes on in Isle of Blood and Stone, the best word to describe it is quiet. It has quite the intriguing plot behind it, but it really fell flat for me.

I enjoyed the worldbuilding, and the friendships between our three main characters. The world made an effort to be LGB-friendly, by mentioning partners of other genders However, the world of Isle of Blood and Stone is not trans-inclusive in the least.

There are quite a few trans-antagonistic comments throughout the book, including one wondering if a woman with a mustache was "actually a woman." The way the world works is also incredibly gender-binary based - women can't train as soldiers, or swim with the boys. They can train as geographers, but they can't be apprentices because "they'll go and get married." It's pretty bullshit.

I loved Mercedes and Reyna, and I hope that we'll get more of them. I liked the friends to romance angle that it took, with Ulises always there to annoy them. I wanted more of a reason for the villains to do the things they did. (I know that's vague, but it's a huge spoiler.)

I think Isle of Blood and Stone very well could have been my thing, but it needed more punching up to really make it work for me. You can pick up a copy and see for yourself on Amazon.



Disclaimer: All links to Indiebound and Amazon are affiliate links, which means that if you buy through those links, I will make a small amount of money off of it.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Eighteen years prior, two princes were out on a picnic with some guards/servants, their maid, and Lord Antoni. Tragedy struck when all of the servants and guards were poisoned while the princes, Lord Antoni, and the maid mysteriously disappeared. Isle of Blood and Stone follows the journey of Elias, the son of Lord Antoni, royal mapmaker and explorer, and best friend of the king, Ulises. Elias, Mercedes, the King’s cousin and emissary, Ulises discover two maps that have supposedly been drawn by Lord Antoni that contain clues about the mysterious disappearance that occurred eighteen years ago. Elias, Ulises, and Mercedes try to solve the clues and uncover the mystery.

I went into Isle of Blood and Stone not knowing the premise of the story, and was pleasantly surprised. The pacing started off slow, it took a bit of work to get going, but once the preliminary information was laid out I was hooked. I managed to read the entire book in one sitting despite it’s length.

Elias, Mercedes, and Ulises were likeable and well-developed. The slow-burn romance between Elias and Mercedes was realistic and relatable. The story is told from different third-person viewpoints, and while that sometimes caused confusion, I appreciated the different perspectives while trying to solve the mystery. 

The only issue that I had, despite the slow beginning that might deter people from sticking with the story, was the explanation for the prince’s disappearances and the antagonist’s motivation. It just seemed a little extreme to me.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. I just found out that there will be a sequel, and I am excited to see where Elias, Mercedes, and Ulises go in the next book.

I was sent this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

How can I look at these maps, see this riddle, and do nothing? They are my brothers.

This book is WOW amazing. It looks like a fantasy, but it's actually a mystery/romance/court intrigue novel in disguise. If that doesn't grab your attention, think An Ember in the Ashes crossed with Eragon. I started reading this, unsure what to expect, and I was hooked. From beginning to end, you'll be guessing - what happened to the missing princes? Who drew the maps? Who was behind the tragedy that caused one kingdom to destroy another in retaliation? The story unfolds in agonizing suspense. My only complaint is that at times, the main character can be a little scatter-brained and careless...but. He is nineteen. Teenage brain is a thing.